Photography A Level AQA

Applications Open – 3rd November 2025

Applications Close – 31st July 2026

Entry Requirements –We do have entry recommendations for some courses, especially A-levels, as we would not want you to start a course that would not be suitable for you. We want to give you the best chance of future success.

The course programmes are flexible: students can mix Level 3 courses with Level 2 courses, or A-levels with BTECs. We provide impartial advice and guidance and seek to put you on the courses you want and are likely to be successful in.

Students are expected to study up to 3 A level equivalent subjects (this can be from either A levels and/or Level 3 BTEC subjects) building their own personalised combination of Level 3 subjects OR a full time Level 2 course.

The sixth form runs on a flexible timetable with some courses running until 6.00pm. This flexibility means we can offer as much as possible, to as many as possible, as often as possible.

How to Apply – Please apply via Kent Choices.

View our courses here

The study of photography will deepen your understanding of the visual world across different times and cultures and introduce you to the diverse roles and functions of photography in contemporary life. A foundation in this subject can lead to a wide range of career opportunities in the creative industries, an area experiencing great expansion in this country.

Photography is important because all sectors of the job market require creative thinkers who can innovate, see and make connections, solve problems and make informed decisions and judgements. This course will give you many transferable skills you can use in the future.

Photography lessons will predominately be practically based. You will be given clear demonstrations of processes by your teacher and you will be given time in which to explore these both in small groups and independently. You will be encouraged to talk about your work using specialist vocabulary and to discuss your ideas and your understanding of other artists’ work with your teacher and with fellow students.

You should be prepared to write about both your ideas and the work of others; written evaluation forms are an extremely important part of this course and your sketchbooks should be thoroughly annotated.

Practical workshops in photography and video will enable you to explore:

• The uses of light as the most important element in photography
• Film types, film speeds and grain of film stock
• Viewpoints, composition, depth of field
• Darkroom techniques
• Manipulation of the image through electronic and mechanical means including digital cameras, computer, scanners, photocopiers
• Qualities of lighting in both studio and location-based work
• Editing, including knowledge of the variety of ways in which images might be juxtaposed to create appropriate effects
• The work of others as a means of extending the photography vocabulary of the student

AO1 (25%)

Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding

AO2 (25%)

Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops

AO3 (25%)

Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress

AO4 (25%)

Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements.

We would recommend a grade 6 at GCSE in English Language.

The successful completion of this course will allow you to progress on to a wide range of related higher education courses and could lead you into careers in journalism, marketing and publishing.